Betalain Supplement for Exercise Performance and Recovery

(BET_RSE Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Drexel University

Must not be taking: Anti-inflammatories, Antibiotics, Anti-hypertensives, others

Disqualifiers: Musculoskeletal injuries, Hypertension, Asthma, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

10 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Betalains have well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent investigations examining the effects of a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) on exercise and recovery performance show promise of BRC as an ergogenic aid. To date, no study has examined the effects of a single dose of a BRC on supramaximal performance and recovery. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of an acute dose of BRC on repeated-sprint cycling performance and recovery.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking any medications that could affect the study results, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and digestive system medicines.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment AltRed, Betalain-rich Concentrate, BRC, AltRed for exercise performance and recovery?

Research shows that taking a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) from beetroots can help improve exercise performance and recovery. In studies with athletes, BRC helped them run faster and recover better, with less muscle damage and fatigue after exercise. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Betalain Supplement safe for human consumption?

Betalains, found in beetroots, are safe to consume as they are accepted food additives and act as micronutrients in the body. They have been studied for their safety, antioxidant activity, and bioavailability, with no significant safety concerns reported in the available research. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How does the treatment AltRed differ from other exercise performance and recovery treatments?

AltRed is unique because it is a betalain-rich concentrate from beetroots that improves exercise performance and recovery without containing sugars or nitrates. It works by reducing muscle damage and fatigue through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which is different from other treatments like beetroot juice that rely on nitrates to enhance performance. ^{1 2 3 8 9}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals interested in the potential performance and recovery benefits of a supplement. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's unclear who exactly can participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I will undergo a screening to check if I'm ready for physical activity and to review my medications and activity level.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not on medication that could affect the study's results.

I do not have any injuries that could worsen by joining this study.

I have a chronic condition like hypertension, asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Familiarization

Participants perform the repeated-sprint exercise protocol and countermovement jump to become acquainted with the exercises. Baseline characteristics are obtained.

1 visit

1 visit (in-person)

Testing

Participants undergo two testing sessions where they receive either the treatment or placebo, perform the exercise protocol, and have various performance and physiological measures recorded.

2 visits

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any delayed effects or adverse reactions post-testing.

1-2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• AltRed

Trial Overview The study is testing whether a single dose of a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC), known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, can improve repeated-sprint cycling performance and recovery compared to a placebo.

Participant Groups

Group I: Betalain-rich Concentrate Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

A single dose of a BRC supplementation

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

A single dose of a placebo

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Drexel University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

160

Recruited

48,600+

Findings from Research

Supplementation with betalain-rich beetroot concentrate (BLN) for 7 days modestly improved cycling performance, specifically increasing average power output during a 30-minute time trial compared to a placebo.

BLN supplementation also enhanced exercise efficiency in the final minutes of the time trial and tended to increase post-exercise blood flow, without significantly affecting blood markers related to inflammation or oxidative stress.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of 1-week betalain-rich beetroot concentrate supplementation on cycling performance and select physiological parameters. Mumford, PW., Kephart, WC., Romero, MA., et al.[2019]

A betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) from beetroots significantly improved 10-km running performance in triathletes, with participants completing the distance faster when supplemented with BRC compared to a placebo.

BRC supplementation also enhanced recovery, as indicated by faster 5-km running times 24 hours later and lower levels of muscle damage markers (creatine kinase) and perceived fatigue after exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Betalain-rich concentrate supplementation improves exercise performance and recovery in competitive triathletes. Montenegro, CF., Kwong, DA., Minow, ZA., et al.[2017]

A betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) from red beets improved performance in competitive male runners, resulting in faster 5-km time trial times and lower perceived exertion during exercise.

BRC supplementation also led to lower blood lactate levels and reduced markers of muscle damage, suggesting it may help in recovery and performance enhancement without increasing muscle soreness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Betalain-Rich Concentrate Supplementation Improves Exercise Performance in Competitive Runners. Van Hoorebeke, JS., Trias, CO., Davis, BA., et al.[2020]

A systematic review of 39 studies indicates that anthocyanins (ACN) can significantly enhance exercise recovery by improving strength and reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after physical activity.

ACN consumption leads to increased antioxidant capacity and decreased inflammatory markers, suggesting that their beneficial effects on recovery are likely due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of dietary anthocyanins on biochemical, physiological, and subjective exercise recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Kimble, R., Jones, K., Howatson, G.[2023]

The study analyzed ten polyphenol-rich fruit supplements, revealing significant variations in their content of total phenolics and anthocyanins, which are important for exercise performance and recovery.

Consumers can use the detailed compositional data from this study to better optimize their intake of polyphenols, aiming for 300 mg before exercise to enhance performance and 1000 mg daily to aid recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of the polyphenol content and in vitro antioxidant capacity of fruit-based nutritional supplements commonly consumed by athletic and recreationally active populations. Rickards, L., Lynn, A., Barker, ME., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 28 New Zealand rabbits, solutions containing lutein and zeaxanthin, both alone and with brilliant blue (BB), demonstrated a good safety profile with no significant adverse effects observed in retinal function or structure.

Electroretinography and microscopy analyses showed no significant differences in retinal responses or abnormalities compared to the control group, indicating that these dye solutions are safe for potential use in ocular applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lutein and zeaxanthin toxicity with and without brilliant blue in rabbits. Furlani, BA., Barroso, L., Sousa-Martins, D., et al.[2016]

Betalains, derived from plants in the Caryophyllales order, are safe food additives that serve as micronutrients and have demonstrated radical-scavenging activity and low cytotoxicity in various studies.

This review suggests a proposed daily intake of 100 mg of betanin and 50 mg of indicaxanthin for potential health benefits, highlighting the need for more research on their stability and bioavailability in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Plant Betalains: Safety, Antioxidant Activity, Clinical Efficacy, and Bioavailability. Khan, MI.[2020]

Beetroot juice, rich in betalains, has been shown to enhance sports endurance and recovery by reducing exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and fatigue, making it a promising natural supplement for athletes.

Betalains improve blood flow and oxygen supply during exercise by increasing nitric oxide availability, suggesting their potential as an effective ergogenic aid for competitive performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Betalains Alleviate Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fatigue and Improve Sports Performance: an Update on Recent Advancement. Nirmal, S., Olatunde, OO., Medhe, S., et al.[2023]

Tart cherry extract significantly reduced oxidative stress and markers of muscle and cardiac damage after intense resistance exercise, as shown by lower serum protein carbonyl and creatine kinase levels compared to a placebo.

The supplementation also helped maintain handgrip strength post-exercise, suggesting it may reduce central fatigue, all while providing minimal calories.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Broad Spectrum Polyphenol Supplementation from Tart Cherry Extract on Markers of Recovery from Intense Resistance Exercise. Hooper, DR., Orange, T., Gruber, MT., et al.[2021]

References

1. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of 1-week betalain-rich beetroot concentrate supplementation on cycling performance and select physiological parameters. [2019]

2. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Betalain-rich concentrate supplementation improves exercise performance and recovery in competitive triathletes. [2017]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Betalain-Rich Concentrate Supplementation Improves Exercise Performance in Competitive Runners. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of dietary anthocyanins on biochemical, physiological, and subjective exercise recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of the polyphenol content and in vitro antioxidant capacity of fruit-based nutritional supplements commonly consumed by athletic and recreationally active populations. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lutein and zeaxanthin toxicity with and without brilliant blue in rabbits. [2016]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Plant Betalains: Safety, Antioxidant Activity, Clinical Efficacy, and Bioavailability. [2020]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Betalains Alleviate Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fatigue and Improve Sports Performance: an Update on Recent Advancement. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Broad Spectrum Polyphenol Supplementation from Tart Cherry Extract on Markers of Recovery from Intense Resistance Exercise. [2021]